Maryland Nonprofits
Executive Director, Friends of Patterson Park
Maryland Nonprofits, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Description of Organization and Ideal Candidate:
The Friends of Patterson Park (“the Friends”) is a small, highly effective non-profit membership organization that works to preserve and promote Patterson Park as a vital urban green space. Patterson Park is often called “Baltimore’s Best Backyard”, and on a given day there you might see kids playing soccer or learning to ride bikes, pickleball players, bird watchers, live music, Zumba and families and friends picnicking. Established in 1998, the Friends advances their mission in partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and numerous community stakeholders.
The Executive Director role is an opportunity to be part of a team that operates with creativity, passion, and joy. The ideal candidate is a person who excels at relationship-building, leadership, and who is eager to help advance the Friends’ unique role as a steward for one of Baltimore’s busiest and historic parks. This leader must possess a strategic mindset, adept at finding sustainable solutions in challenging scenarios, managing multiple priorities, and balancing urgency & impact of solutions across multiple stakeholders. He/She will be skilled in addressing challenges, identifying opportunities, and critically thinking with a focus on growing the Friends and bolstering its ability to raise funds for park improvements and free community programming
The Friends of Patterson Park is dedicated to: (1) working with public agencies, individuals and organizations in the diverse communities surrounding the park to increase park use; (2) improving the park’s infrastructure and image; (3) advocating for the park’s future; and (4) promoting community engagement for people of all ages. The Friends taps the energies and talents of hundreds of volunteers to renovate and upkeep the capital infrastructure within the park, as well as execute recreational, cultural, and educational programming. Through this work, the Friends seeks to promote an appreciation of the park’s cultural and natural history and strengthen community stewardship that will ensure the park remains a treasured resource for future generations. More information about the Friends can be found on our website at
https://pattersonpark.com/ The Friends of Patterson Park has an 18-member board of directors, several active committees, 600 dues-paying members, and 3 full-time employees and two part-time employees. The annual operating budget is approximately $700,000. The Friends’ offices are inside Patterson Park and are dog-friendly. You may also view this job posting on our website, at https://pattersonpark.com/job-opportunities Job Responsibilities:
1)
Oversight, execution, and management of a diverse fundraising program. ● Strategically develop and oversee the Organization’s budget in partnership with the Development Director and Board Treasurer. Align financial planning with long-term strategic goals to ensure revenue and operational needs are met. ● Identify and pursue diverse and innovative funding streams (e.g, new grant resources, corporate financial partnership, etc.) to ensure sustainable financial health. Work collaboratively with the Development Director and Board to ensure budget priorities are consistently met. ● Prudently manage organizational resources, including contracts and grants, restricted and unrestricted funds, and within the approved budget and according to legal requirements. ● Work collaboratively with the Development Director and Board to raise funds through the cultivation and stewardship of the Friends’ membership and major donors, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, and grant writing to support the annual operational budget. 2) Organizational Leadership and Capacity Building
● Collaborate with the Board and staff to critically analyze organizational challenges, and to craft policies and long-term strategies to achieve the Friends' mission and growth goals. ● Manage the recruitment, oversight, evaluation, effectiveness, and release of all personnel. ● Provide support and direction for full and part-time staff in carrying out plans and ongoing programs. ● Proactively identify and critically evaluate the evolving needs of the diverse communities the Friends serve. Develop and drive execution of targeted solutions to address the changing needs across all stakeholders involved. ● Oversee office administration and all general operations, including contract compliance, partnership agreements, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the City. ● Manage facilities with sensitivity to historic preservation goals. 3) Strategic Communication and Cross-Cultural Relationship Management
● Cultivate, develop, and maintain key relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders (e.g., community organizations, members, general public, media, elected officials). Ensure inclusive and equitable engagement from all to advance the Friends’ mission and strategic partnerships. ● Act as the primary spokesperson, leveraging communication opportunities to enhance organization awareness and influence. This includes adapting communication styles to effectively reach and engage various stakeholders. ● Represent the organization at internal and external events and activities, demonstrating an ability to foster partnership and identify collaborative opportunities. ● Foster internal communication systems to ensure alignment, transparency, collaboration, and informed decision-making among staff and Board members. Ensure all Friends members are well-informed of organizational goals and programming so they may be articulate ambassadors of the organization. In addition to these responsibilities, the new Executive Director will be expected to play a leading role in three emerging areas of work: 1. Exploring new models for park management
The Executive Director will work with elected officials and partners at Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to explore new models for park maintenance and operations, including the possible establishment of a conservancy. 2. Utilization of Cedar House
The Friends recently completed the construction of the Cedar House, a community hub that includes a programming space, volunteer support center, and courtyard. The Executive Director will help shape and execute a vision for fully utilizing this space in alignment with the organization’s mission. 3. Restoration of the Historic Observatory
The Friends are in the early stages of a project, in partnership with BCRP, to restore and stabilize the park’s historic Observatory. The Executive Director will lead this initiative, working closely with appropriate staff and board committees. Experience & Skills
1)
Leadership ● Skilled and diplomatic developer of partnerships and strong working relationships. ● Experience navigating municipal and political systems. ● Self-motivated leader capable of growing an organization with a dynamic, participatory culture and volunteer-based programming. 2) Fundraising/Financial Management
● A proven track record and passion for multifaceted fundraising that includes individual membership, corporate memberships and partnerships, major gift campaigns and extensive grant writing. ● Ability to develop and manage budgets of at least $1,000,000 and to use financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountability. ● Knowledge of best practices for nonprofit management, including legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Desired Capabilities and Experience:
● Minimum of 5 years experience working in the public or nonprofit sector, including managing paid and volunteer staff, and working with a Managing Board to plan, develop and evaluate programs. ● Experience managing multiple employees. ● Solid interpersonal skills, a person who can motivate people to act with a shared vision. ● Flexibility in working some evenings and weekends; responsive to increased demands in peak programming periods. ● Ability to prioritize, multitask, problem solve and collaborate in a dynamic, informal working environment. ● Excellent manager and mentor who respects and supports the skills, experience and capabilities of staff and volunteers. ● Passionate advocate for the preservation and use of public open spaces. ● Outstanding oral and written communication (facility with Spanish a plus). Training or experience in working with media is helpful. ● Proficiency with the Google Suite for nonprofits, QuickBooks Online, donor management software (e.g. Bloomerang CRM), and other relevant technology tools. ● Background experience working in the recreational, cultural heritage, environmental, and/or educational aspects of urban parks. Educational Requirement:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience is required for this position.
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000–$100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation is expected to grow with the organization. Benefits Include: ● An allowance toward health insurance ● Employer-sponsored 401(k) with a modest organizational match ● Generous PTO including vacation, sick leave, and holidays ● Flexible schedule with occasional remote work ● Professional development stipend ● Reimbursement for approved travel and work-related mileage ● Working alongside dedicated colleagues who bring a passion and enthusiasm for Patterson Park and the many volunteers, members, and park users the organization seeks to serve Friends of Patterson Park is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To Apply
Please send a cover letter and your resume to the search committee at
hiringmanager@pattersonpark.com
.
No phone calls, please.
Position open until filled. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
https://pattersonpark.com/ The Friends of Patterson Park has an 18-member board of directors, several active committees, 600 dues-paying members, and 3 full-time employees and two part-time employees. The annual operating budget is approximately $700,000. The Friends’ offices are inside Patterson Park and are dog-friendly. You may also view this job posting on our website, at https://pattersonpark.com/job-opportunities Job Responsibilities:
1)
Oversight, execution, and management of a diverse fundraising program. ● Strategically develop and oversee the Organization’s budget in partnership with the Development Director and Board Treasurer. Align financial planning with long-term strategic goals to ensure revenue and operational needs are met. ● Identify and pursue diverse and innovative funding streams (e.g, new grant resources, corporate financial partnership, etc.) to ensure sustainable financial health. Work collaboratively with the Development Director and Board to ensure budget priorities are consistently met. ● Prudently manage organizational resources, including contracts and grants, restricted and unrestricted funds, and within the approved budget and according to legal requirements. ● Work collaboratively with the Development Director and Board to raise funds through the cultivation and stewardship of the Friends’ membership and major donors, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, and grant writing to support the annual operational budget. 2) Organizational Leadership and Capacity Building
● Collaborate with the Board and staff to critically analyze organizational challenges, and to craft policies and long-term strategies to achieve the Friends' mission and growth goals. ● Manage the recruitment, oversight, evaluation, effectiveness, and release of all personnel. ● Provide support and direction for full and part-time staff in carrying out plans and ongoing programs. ● Proactively identify and critically evaluate the evolving needs of the diverse communities the Friends serve. Develop and drive execution of targeted solutions to address the changing needs across all stakeholders involved. ● Oversee office administration and all general operations, including contract compliance, partnership agreements, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the City. ● Manage facilities with sensitivity to historic preservation goals. 3) Strategic Communication and Cross-Cultural Relationship Management
● Cultivate, develop, and maintain key relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders (e.g., community organizations, members, general public, media, elected officials). Ensure inclusive and equitable engagement from all to advance the Friends’ mission and strategic partnerships. ● Act as the primary spokesperson, leveraging communication opportunities to enhance organization awareness and influence. This includes adapting communication styles to effectively reach and engage various stakeholders. ● Represent the organization at internal and external events and activities, demonstrating an ability to foster partnership and identify collaborative opportunities. ● Foster internal communication systems to ensure alignment, transparency, collaboration, and informed decision-making among staff and Board members. Ensure all Friends members are well-informed of organizational goals and programming so they may be articulate ambassadors of the organization. In addition to these responsibilities, the new Executive Director will be expected to play a leading role in three emerging areas of work: 1. Exploring new models for park management
The Executive Director will work with elected officials and partners at Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to explore new models for park maintenance and operations, including the possible establishment of a conservancy. 2. Utilization of Cedar House
The Friends recently completed the construction of the Cedar House, a community hub that includes a programming space, volunteer support center, and courtyard. The Executive Director will help shape and execute a vision for fully utilizing this space in alignment with the organization’s mission. 3. Restoration of the Historic Observatory
The Friends are in the early stages of a project, in partnership with BCRP, to restore and stabilize the park’s historic Observatory. The Executive Director will lead this initiative, working closely with appropriate staff and board committees. Experience & Skills
1)
Leadership ● Skilled and diplomatic developer of partnerships and strong working relationships. ● Experience navigating municipal and political systems. ● Self-motivated leader capable of growing an organization with a dynamic, participatory culture and volunteer-based programming. 2) Fundraising/Financial Management
● A proven track record and passion for multifaceted fundraising that includes individual membership, corporate memberships and partnerships, major gift campaigns and extensive grant writing. ● Ability to develop and manage budgets of at least $1,000,000 and to use financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountability. ● Knowledge of best practices for nonprofit management, including legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Desired Capabilities and Experience:
● Minimum of 5 years experience working in the public or nonprofit sector, including managing paid and volunteer staff, and working with a Managing Board to plan, develop and evaluate programs. ● Experience managing multiple employees. ● Solid interpersonal skills, a person who can motivate people to act with a shared vision. ● Flexibility in working some evenings and weekends; responsive to increased demands in peak programming periods. ● Ability to prioritize, multitask, problem solve and collaborate in a dynamic, informal working environment. ● Excellent manager and mentor who respects and supports the skills, experience and capabilities of staff and volunteers. ● Passionate advocate for the preservation and use of public open spaces. ● Outstanding oral and written communication (facility with Spanish a plus). Training or experience in working with media is helpful. ● Proficiency with the Google Suite for nonprofits, QuickBooks Online, donor management software (e.g. Bloomerang CRM), and other relevant technology tools. ● Background experience working in the recreational, cultural heritage, environmental, and/or educational aspects of urban parks. Educational Requirement:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience is required for this position.
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000–$100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation is expected to grow with the organization. Benefits Include: ● An allowance toward health insurance ● Employer-sponsored 401(k) with a modest organizational match ● Generous PTO including vacation, sick leave, and holidays ● Flexible schedule with occasional remote work ● Professional development stipend ● Reimbursement for approved travel and work-related mileage ● Working alongside dedicated colleagues who bring a passion and enthusiasm for Patterson Park and the many volunteers, members, and park users the organization seeks to serve Friends of Patterson Park is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To Apply
Please send a cover letter and your resume to the search committee at
hiringmanager@pattersonpark.com
.
No phone calls, please.
Position open until filled. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr